India is a land of festivals, which reflect its cultural diversity and heritage. People here used to celebrate the occasions for different purposes of life. But the festival of Mahashivratri has a unique importance.
This celebrated Hindu Festival is conducted on the fourteenth day of every lunar month. In fact, there are total numbers of 12 Shivratris celebrated in the whole country but Mahashivratri is solemnized only once in a year that would be in the month of February or March. During this night, the northern hemisphere of the planet is placed in a kind of location through which there is certain increase in human being’s energy. Therefore, people used to wake through the night and pray to Lord Shiva. The whole nation becomes wear spiritual colour on this auspicious day.
The significance of Mahashivratri implies on the family situations, spiritual people and for the motivation in the universe. Family people used to celebrate this festival as Lord’s Shiva wedding anniversary. On the other hand, some organize Mahashivratri as the day when the Lord conquered all his adversaries. It is also celebrated as the night when Lord Shiva performed the cosmic dance - Tandava. However, spiritual people have a belief that on this day, Lord Shiva became like a mountain i.e. Mount Kailash because they believe that the Lord became totally still after meditating for the long time. During the process, all the movements in him discontinued and he became entirely unmoving. Thus, spiritual people consider Mahashivratri as the night of stillness. In other words, it is the night where the ‘Yogi’ realizes the oneness of the Existence.
During the festival, devotees chant the sacred mantra of Shiva - "Om Namah Shivaya" while some of them chant ancient Sanskrit mantra i.e. Maha Mritunjaya Mantra.
Besides celebrating in India, people of Nepal also celebrate this auspicious occasion with great fervour and devotion towards Lord Shiva as thousands of devotees come to the famous Pashupatinath Temple to celebrate this big occasion. In some other parts of the world too, where Mahashivratri is solemnized with lots of beliefs, dedication and devotion.
In this year, Mahashivratri will be solemnized on March 07, 2016.
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